The European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients' Associations (EFA) is seeking a full-time Communications Assistant intern to join its Brussels-based team starting January 2027. At Youth Works Hub, we identified this six-month paid internship as a strong opening for communications graduates looking to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of patient advocacy and EU-level health policy.
Your Role at EFA
As EFA Communications Assistant, you will join EFA's Communications team and directly support the implementation of EFA's communications work. The role covers core communications channels: social media, website, and newsletters, as well as project-specific and policy-related communications. You will work on internal and external communications designed to ensure that EFA's community of member organisations remains at the heart of policy decisions and change for patients living with allergy, asthma, atopic eczema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) across Europe.
The internship is full time (38 hours per week) for a duration of six months, starting in January 2027.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
🗣️ Social media management: Support the management of EFA's social media accounts, including drafting posts, creating visuals (mainly with Canva), analysing trends, and exploring opportunities for improvement.
📧 Newsletter production: Support the creation of EFA's internal and external newsletters and ad hoc mailings, including drafting content and designing email layouts.
🌐 Website content and development: Support the content maintenance of the current EFA websites and contribute to the finalisation of the new EFA website, including drafting and reviewing content, creating page layouts, supporting content migration, and collaborating with external service providers.
📋 Report production: Support the creation of project and event reports, as well as EFA's Annual Report (content and layout).
📊 Communications analytics: Collect and analyse indicators on the impact of EFA's communications activities, including social media insights and website analytics.
📒 Contact list management: Support the maintenance and updates of EFA's contact lists.
🏛️ EU policy programme communications: Help implement communications activities for EFA's diverse project portfolios and EU policy programmes based on the 2027 workplan.
📝 Meeting support: Take, review, and organise notes during internal and external meetings.
🎨 Materials creation and maintenance: Keep current EFA communications materials up-to-date and create new ones in line with EFA's branding guidelines, including flyers, roll-ups, and templates.
🔄 Additional contributions: Perform any other relevant task in line with the candidate profile to support the implementation of EFA's communication strategy and workplan.
Essential Requirements
To be considered for this internship, you must demonstrate all of the following:
🎓 A relevant degree in Communication, such as journalism, media studies, or marketing communications.
🤝 Experience or genuine interest in communications or advocacy work in the non-profit or health sector.
🇬🇧 Fluency in English.
✍️ Strong proof-reading and editing skills, with a keen eye for design.
📰 Demonstrated experience drafting written content in English and creating layouts for publications, articles, brochures, or similar products.
📱 Good knowledge of social media, with experience in managing social media accounts considered a plus.
💻 Basic computer literacy, including Microsoft 365 and Canva (additional digital tools a plus).
🧠 Strong organisational and analytical skills, with the ability to process information across a wide range of topics including healthcare, environment, and research.
🌍 Willingness and ability to work effectively in a small, highly international team.
🚀 A proactive attitude, strong teamwork skills, genuine willingness to learn, and a true passion for communications.
Preferred Skills and Experience
The following are not required but will strengthen your application:
⭐ Previous professional experience in communications.
🏛️ Experience and/or a solid understanding of European institutions and EU-level policy-making processes.
🌱 Background in the NGO field and/or experience with membership organisations.
🩺 Interest in health policy.
🎬 Experience or interest in creating audiovisual content.
🗣️ Fluency in one or more other EU languages.
Contract, Benefits, and Work Arrangement
The Communications Assistant will be employed on a Belgium standard contrat d'immersion professionnelle (CIP), which includes:
🥗 Lunch coupons.
🚌 Local travel support.
The position is based in Brussels at EFA's offices in Madou, with some flexibility to work from home. EFA is an equal opportunities employer and embraces diversity.
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About EFA
EFA is a vibrant alliance of European patients' organisations representing people with allergy, asthma, atopic eczema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at European level. The federation has 38 member organisations in 24 countries and is dedicated to making Europe a place where people living with these diseases have access to best-quality care, live uncompromised lives in a safe environment, and are actively involved in all decisions that influence their health. EFA operates from its offices in Brussels, the centre of EU health policy.
For more paid internship opportunities at NGOs, EU bodies, and international organisations, browse the internship listings on Youth Works Hub. If you are new to international internships, the guide to paid internships abroad for students on Youth Works Hub explains what CIP contracts and employer-paid arrangements really cover.
How to Apply
📄 Prepare a comprehensive single PDF document containing both your CV and your cover letter.
📌 Include the reference "EFA Communications Assistant" in your application.
⏳ Applications must be submitted by 15 November 2026.
🔄 Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis: successful pre-screening candidates will be invited for an interview shortly after the deadline.
⚠️ Due to the high volume of applications expected, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of this internship?
The EFA Communications Assistant internship runs for six months, starting in January 2027.
Is this internship paid?
Yes. The role is offered on a Belgium standard contrat d'immersion professionnelle (CIP), which includes benefits such as lunch coupons and local travel support. The specific monthly remuneration amount is not disclosed in the job description.
What is a contrat d'immersion professionnelle (CIP)?
A CIP is a Belgian employment contract designed to help candidates gain their first professional experience. It provides work rights and statutory benefits such as lunch coupons and commuting support. The remuneration level under a CIP differs from that of a standard employment contract.
Is the internship full time?
Yes. The position is full time at 38 hours per week.
Can I work remotely?
The role is primarily on-site at EFA's Brussels offices in Madou, with some flexibility to work from home.
What language do I need to work in?
Fluency in English is an essential requirement. Proficiency in one or more other EU languages is listed as a preferred asset but is not required.
Do I need prior experience in health or patient advocacy?
No. The internship is open to candidates with experience or a genuine interest in communications or advocacy in the non-profit or health sector. Interest is stated as sufficient; prior health-sector experience is a plus, not a requirement.
What tools will I be using in this role?
The position involves Microsoft 365 and Canva as the primary tools. Experience with additional tools is noted as a plus.
Will I work on EU policy-related projects?
Yes. Part of the role involves supporting communications for EU policy programmes and project portfolios based on EFA's 2027 workplan. Understanding of EU institutions is listed as an asset.
When will I hear back after applying?
EFA reviews applications on a rolling basis and invites pre-screened candidates for an interview shortly after the 15 November 2026 deadline. Due to the high volume of applications, only short-listed candidates will receive a response.
Deadline
⏳ 15 November 2026
